Why we love an African safari in November
November is a month celebrated by true Africa hands. It is often dismissed for being too hot in the south, and too wet in the east. Wrong wrong wrong! True, November marks a turn of seasons in Southern Africa: the dramatic build-up of heat and the start of the rains: afternoon thunder and lightening and if you’re lucky, life-saving rain. In Kenya and Tanzania this is the season of the short rains.

In a continent as arid as Africa, no prayer forgets to include the hope of rain, and when it does come, what a miraculous sight! Weather patterns the world over are hard to predict, but recent years in Africa seem to purposefully contradict the norm. Mid November should see the clouds burst, the build up to this point is the pinnacle of theater in the bush, the congregation of game around surface water is never greater, competition for space, heat, dust, dehydration, drama and death!
More animals, fewer people
When it comes, rain brings life, it settles the dust, freshens the air, fills the waterholes. November is often referred to as the ‘emerald’ season, a reference to the vivid lushness of the bush, we call it the secret season. Typically a time of year with fewer safari visitors. It nestles between the peak periods, outside of school vacations - lodges drop their rates, often dramatically, and those traveling at this time of year are in for a glut of mind-blowing, crowd-free wildlife spectaculars!
East Africa
Witness wildlife reacting to the changing environment. Head to the Serengeti to see the Great Migration thunder its way back south to feast on the new grazing. The waterholes of Katavi National Park are a heaving, writhing mass of hippos and crocs which disperse with the first rainfall. The tan hides of big cats stand out boldly against the green hills across Kenya. The Maasai Mara settles back into its calmer daily routine, without the migration chasing hoards, but with incredible resident wildlife and all the space to enjoy it.
Southern Africa
Down south, it’s time to celebrate for all photographers, Zambia’s South Luangwa doesn’t get more beautiful or dramatic than this – from leopards stalking thirsty prey on the river bank, to the arrival of tens of thousands of flying migrants. The zebra and wildebeest migration leaves Botswana’s Boteti, heading back to the Makgadikgadi and the dust bowl of the salt pans become shallow lakes packed with flamingo. It’s the last month visitors can enjoy Zimbabwe’s Mana Pool National Park before this favorite African wilderness is off limits for the season, over in Hwange the elephant population is at its height – there is no experience like watching the giant Hwange bulls queuing patiently for their turn at water. How about being a witness to the greatest sand dunes turning green before your eyes, see the desert bloom!
Marine wildlife in November
If marine activity is what you are after, you’ll catch Humpbacks migrating along the Indian Ocean coast, whale sharks off Tanzania, Manta Rays off Mozambique, and turtles right across the east coast beaches. Down on the Cape you’ll hit the height of the Southern Right Whale season, November is a great month to visit the southern edge of the continent: the Cape experiences a climate all of its own and late Spring is a top time to visit.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu Natal and the north coast, South Africa
Perched along the peaks of Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge commands sweeping views of the wilderness, where lions call at night and rhinos roam among the trees. Luxury and nature blend, for an inspiring safari that awakens the senses.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is nestled amongst hills on the edge of iconic Lake Kariba looking out over the endless waters. With only ten lake view rooms and two suites the property is the perfect intimate retreat for those looking to explore the area.

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Gonarezhou National Park, Southern Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Located on the banks of the Runde in Gonerezhou National Park sits Chilo Tented Camp, a seasonal Meru-style camp perfect for those wishing to explore the Ivory Trail and to learn about the history of the Ivory Hunters of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Khulu Bush Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
The small Khulu Bush Camp overlooks an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’, known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and bird life in Hwange National Park, right on your doorstep.

Masoala Forest Lodge
Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar
Located on Madagascar's north-east coast, Masoala Forest Lodge is a true hideaway. Only accessible by boat, this rustic treehouse lodge allows guests to explore the surrounding rainforest and ocean, and feel at one with nature.

&Beyond Klein's Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Klein's Camp is &Beyond’s sustainable, safari lodge located deep in the heart of the Maasai land at the edge of the Serengeti National Park.The ten traditional cottages offer incredible views of a game-rich private concession.

&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Suspended in the Sand Forest, under great towering torchwood trees, is Phinda Forest Lodge. There are 16 large stilted glass suites have a Zen feel, floating between the forest floor below and the dense canopy of leaves above.

&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Rock Lodge is located in the southern section of the reserve and is the most private. Built into the side of a mountain it comprises six large air conditioned suites overlooking the beautiful leopard rock. Each suite has its own plunge pool.

&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Vlei Lodge offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour. The lodge comprises six elegant thatched suites to offer that exclusive safari experience.

Amalinda Lodge
Matopos Hills, Zimbabwe
Amalinda is a privately owned safari lodge set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills National Park in south-western Zimbabwe. Stay in one of nine Flintstones-esque chalets built around the rocks as your base for exploring Matobo.

Ultimate Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park & Mana Pools
This week long itinerary combines two of Zimbabwe’s major highlights, the raging waters of UNESCO world heritage site Victoria Falls and the wildlife rich Hwange National Park. Explore the Zambezi river by canoe or motorboat, visit the awe-inspiring falls, go in search of wildlife on 4x4 game drives and jump aboard the elephant express on a unique...
$5,600 pp

Family Fun in Madagascar and Mauritius
Andasibe, Madagascar and Mauritius
Let us take your family on a journey through the Indian Ocean. In Madagascar, you’ll encounter the bizarre and wonderful wildlife that this island is so famed for before immersing yourself in the culture of the capital city. We’ll then fly you to Mauritius where you can enjoy the untouched south of the island, surrounded by tea plantations and...
$3,700 pp

Family Fun in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Mana Pools & Hwange
Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for a family vacation to Africa with your Teenagers. This stunning country offers fantastic safari, highly qualified guides, as well as exhilarating activities such as canoeing on the Zambezi or visits to the the awe-inspiring smoke that thunders, the famous Victoria Falls. This action-packed itinerary will cater...
$7,000 pp

Epic South Africa
Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Greater Kruger
Capture the best of the Rainbow Nation on this stylish introduction to South Africa. We’ve handpicked luxury boutique hotels and extraordinary experiences for a trip that will make your friends green with envy. Sample delectable fusion cuisine while gazing over the rugged peaks of Table Mountain in Cape Town before soaring over the thundering...
$6,500 pp

Churches, Castles and Mountains of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Lake Tana, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Axum & Lalibela
Experience a land of fascinating contrasts on this all-encompassing journey which transports you from the rugged Simien Mountains to the famous rock churches of Lalibela and on to castles of Gondar before ending in the bustling city of Addis Ababa.
$5,200 pp

Ethiopia’s Bale and Simien Mountains in Style
Addis Ababa, Bale Mountain Lodge & Limalimo
Combine two of Ethiopia's most exciting national parks - Bale Mountains National Park and Simien Mountains National Park - experience the vibrant local culture and wildlife of each location while enjoying the spectacular views.
$6,400 pp

Limitless South Africa and Antarctica
Kruger, Cape Town & White Desert Antarctica
Blow your horizons with this awe-inspiring trip through South Africa and on to Antarctica. One of the most exciting trips available at this time, you will get to experience the great wilderness of the Kruger National Park staying in one of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges, followed by some luxurious downtime in Cape Town, and ending with the...
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